Whether you're blasting steel, applying protective coatings, or supporting decon trailers, having the right air compressor is essential. If your compressor is undersized, everything slows down—blasting performance suffers, coating equipment stalls, and your entire operation risks costly downtime.

Start with the Blast Nozzle

Each blast nozzle has a specific CFM (cubic feet per minute) air requirement. The larger the orifice, the more air it consumes. Here are some common nozzle sizes and their approximate CFM demands at 100 PSI:

• #6 nozzle: ~250 CFM
• #7 nozzle: ~320 CFM
• #8 nozzle: ~425 CFM

Multiply the CFM by the number of operators blasting simultaneously. Then add a buffer to avoid air starvation under load. Also confirm your system PSI—most blast equipment operates between 90–120 PSI depending on the pot and setup.

Account for Coating and Decon Air

Blasting isn’t the only air draw on site. Your compressor also supports critical accessories and safety equipment. These include:

• Air-fed respirators
• Air-powered mixers or pumps
• Pneumatic tools for maintenance or agitation
• Decontamination trailer HVAC and filtration systems

Each of these components requires airflow to function properly—and when you combine their needs with blasting demands, undersizing your compressor can quickly become a bottleneck.

Use the 25% Rule

To ensure stable air delivery, we recommend adding a 20–25% buffer to your calculated total CFM. This accounts for real-world factors that reduce efficiency:

• Hose length and diameter friction loss
• Dryer or aftercooler pressure drops
• High humidity or altitude
• Filter restrictions or unplanned tool usage

A 375 CFM compressor may seem sufficient on paper, but if you’re running a #7 nozzle with an air dryer, long hose runs, and PPE—you're likely pushing that compressor to its limits. Don’t risk inconsistent pressure at the nozzle.

Let Us Help You Size It Right

At Sandblast Solutions Inc., we help contractors every day match their nozzles, pots, and accessories with the properly sized compressor. Whether you're renting for a short-term job or setting up a long-term system, our team can recommend the right solution based on real-world jobsite conditions—not just spec sheets.

Contact Us for Support

Need help sizing a compressor or building a complete setup? Contact Sandblast Solutions Inc. for expert advice, fast quotes, and reliable air systems that keep your project running smoothly.

Call us at 888-774-8993 or request a quote online at sandblastinc.com.